Always wanted a dark bedroom but didn’t know where to start?
Decorating with dark colors in your bedroom is a great way to create a cozy, cocooning atmosphere that encourages sleep. When done simply and minimally, dark bedrooms look stunning and effortlessly create a calm, inviting space. If you’ve always been tempted by the dark side then read on for some tips to help you take the plunge and lots of pictures to inspire you with colors and ideas.
Going for dark walls in a bedroom works especially well when you have a bedroom that’s already dark. It could be dark because it lacks natural light or because it’s small. Either way it’s best to embrace the darkness and play to the rooms strengths. I have always lived in homes where the entryway is either dark or very small/narrow and without natural light and I’ve always gone for dark walls. The first time it felt very scary but once I did it, I didn’t look back because it totally works.
Tips for decorating with dark colors in your bedroom
Choose your wall color
The best place to start is to choose the main color for the walls. Dark bedrooms don’t have to be black. In fact I would suggest that you stay away from pure black as that is one wall color that is really not for most people. Instead look at dark greys, dark blues or greens, warm browns or even deep terracotta tones. Also remember there are levels of darkness too – for example a medium dark grey painted on all the walls in a room will look dark and achieve the dark bedroom look. So think about the level and depth of darkness you want to go for.
Test paints and check underlying tones
Once you’ve got a few sample pots, test them out in your room. Colors on screen and even paint cards can look very different on your walls. Undertones matter too – not all dark greens are the same. Some have cool grey or blue undertones while others can have warm yellow or reddish hues. So whichever color you are leaning towards make sure the undertones are in keeping with the overall colour scheme you are going for. If you’re unsure about undertones, ask wherever you’re buying the paint from.
Opt for tone on tone
With dark bedroom tones, it’s best to stick to one main color with different shades of the same tone to create the most calming room that looks effortlessly pulled together. This is particularly true, if like me, you’re in to a minimalist, clutter-free look to your bedroom. This is also where undertones come in – if you’re going for shades of blue you want to make sure they’re all cool blues or warm blues. It’s one of the easiest ways to make a room come together and look harmonious.
To contrast or not to contrast?
You can either opt for completely embracing the dark vibes by choosing things like dark in the same tones as your wall (which can look quite stunning), going for bed linen in similar dark tones and even opting for wall art in dark shades. Alternatively you can add contrast by choosing pale, neutral bed linens and/or light rugs. There is no right or wrong here, it’s purely personal preference but it’s worth thinking about when you’re planning your room. If you can’t decide you could go for lighter furnishings for the summer months and darker for the winter.
Add texture
Dark decor looks great but it need something extra and that is texture. Every room in your home will benefit from texture as texture effortlessly lifts a space. And dark bedrooms will benefit even more. Adding texture creates visual interest and gives a room that finished look. Think wool throws, seagrass baskets, leather accessories, wooden hooks, sheepskin rugs etc. Even think of textures in lighting like fabric or rattan lights. Remember to keep textures to natural tones or colours that are in shades of your main wall color.
Think about the lighting
One of the benefits of a dark bedroom is that it creates a cozy, cocoon like atmosphere in the room. So to compliment the mood of the room, it’s important to go for lighting that works to enhance the mood, rather than take away from it. Try and think of the lighting in layers where you can go from a dimly lit room for creating the right ambiance to bright for those times that you need the brightness for practical reasons.
Go for it!
Don’t let fear stop you from going to the dark side. If you’re always pouring over images of dark, moody rooms then try it for yourself. Even if you start with painting one big wall in a dark color and taking it from there. After all it’s only paint and can always be painted over. I’ll also add that dark, moody rooms aren’t just for master bedrooms. They look great in a kids bedroom too and the cosiness can help with sleep too.
Are you ready to try decorating with dark colors? Which tone are you most drawn to?
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This post is brought to you in partnership with QuickFit blinds & curtains. All ideas, tips and opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support this blog.
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